Rajya Sabha
Rajya Sabha is the Upper House of the Indian Parliament.
- Also called the Council of States.
- Functions under Articles 80 to 122 of the Constitution.
- It is a permanent house and cannot be dissolved.
๐ PYQ (BPSC 67th): Rajya Sabha is also known as? โ Council of States
Composition
- Maximum strength: 250 members
- 238 elected by State and UT Legislative Assemblies
- 12 nominated by the President for contributions to art, literature, science, and social service
- Current strength (2024): 245 members
Election and Tenure
- Members are indirectly elected by elected members of State Legislative Assemblies using Proportional Representation (Single Transferable Vote)
- 1/3rd of the members retire every 2 years
- Each member serves a term of 6 years
๐ PYQ (BPSC 65th): Tenure of a Rajya Sabha member? โ 6 years
Qualifications to be a Member
- Must be a citizen of India
- Must be at least 30 years old
- Must be an elector in the state or UT from where contesting
- Must not hold an office of profit
Presiding Officer โ Chairperson of Rajya Sabha
- Vice President of India is the ex-officio Chairperson
- Conducts proceedings of the House
- A Deputy Chairperson is elected from among the Rajya Sabha members
๐ PYQ (BPSC 66th): Who is the Chairman of Rajya Sabha? โ Vice President of India
Powers and Functions
Legislative Functions
- Shares equal power with Lok Sabha in passing ordinary bills
- Can initiate bills (except money bills)
- Participates in constitutional amendment process
Financial Functions
- Cannot initiate money bills
- Can discuss money and financial matters
- Money bill passed by Lok Sabha must be returned within 14 days with or without recommendations
๐ PYQ (BPSC 66th): Money Bill can originate in? โ Lok Sabha only
Executive Control
- Members can ask questions, call attention motions, and discuss government policies
- No power to pass no-confidence motion
Judicial Functions
- Participates in the impeachment of the President and judges
- Can initiate a resolution for removal of Vice President (Article 67)
Special Powers
- Under Article 249, Rajya Sabha can authorize Parliament to make laws on a State List subject in the national interest by 2/3 majority
๐ Expected MCQ: Which house can allow Parliament to legislate on State subjects? โ Rajya Sabha (Article 249)
Sessions and Quorum
- Rajya Sabha meets in three sessions annually
- Quorum: 10% of the total strength
- It is not subject to dissolution
Rajya Sabha and Bihar
- Bihar sends 16 members to Rajya Sabha
- Members are elected by the Bihar Vidhan Sabha
- Prominent members from Bihar: Ramnath Thakur, Ghulam Rasool Baliyavi, etc.
๐ Expected MCQ: How many members does Bihar elect to Rajya Sabha? โ 16
Quick Revision Points
- Upper House = Rajya Sabha
- Article range: 80โ122
- Total strength: 250 (Max); Current: 245
- Term: 6 years; 1/3rd members retire every 2 years
- Chaired by: Vice President of India
- Cannot initiate money bills
- Bihar has 16 Rajya Sabha seats
- Article 249: Law-making on state subjects by Rajya Sabha resolution
Sources Used
- NCERT Class 11 โ Indian Constitution at Work
- M. Laxmikanth โ Indian Polity (6th Edition)
- Lucent GK โ Indian Polity Section
- PRS India โ Rajya Sabha Data
- Ghatna Chakra PYQs โ BPSC Prelims